I don't want to hear about ditching the D30, pros and cons, etc. I just want to know who is running 35" tires on their D30. If so, what are you breaking and what do you wheel?

I was planning on getting some boggers or TSLs in mid march, and I don't want to settle for 33"s when I am just going to throw on 35"s later anyway. My thought was to just source some 760 shafts and keep off the stupid pedal while I keep hunting for the decent D44 to build. I'm rarely on the rocks, mostly just the muddy, snowy crap here in western washington. By the time I move to eastern washington, I should have the D44 done.

OK, so basically I'm looking for the info from the first paragraph...and for someone to tell me to just shut up, unknot the panties and throw the boggers on. :D

I ran a 30 with 35's for 6yrs before I broke it. It was first the ring and pinion that went and then the next time it was the carrier blew-up. I ditched it after that.

Ive been running 35's on my D30 for about a year now, with one U joint breakage and thats all.. Of course, Im also running the good old 260 U joints, and not the 297's.. so.. that might have something to do with it.. and I wheel in the rocks.
Scott

Went one season on 35x15.5 SX's on an open-diffed D30 with 260 u-joints. Didn't break a thing but then again I drove it like I had 35's on a D30 with 260 u-joints :rolleyes:

Ran the D30 with 33s for about 2 years. Just broken U-joints (260s). I was just basically nervous that the 30 would explode and there for I was light on the pedal.

I just recently threw in a D44 front (last December) and I'm now running 36x12.5s. Much more confidence with that D44. So in other words, just run the 30 till it breaks which in return will give you motivation to build your D44.

;)

Had 35s on my old 30 with 260s for almost a year and, as hard as I tried, I never broke a thing... of course, I was running a VERY tired 258. I'd be careful with a 4.0 or a fresh 258.

Jake

Have 'em on mine, but I've only been out 2 times on the 35's, and nothing difficult. I'm just going to try to find some spares and if I break it, I'll keep fixing it. Unless it becomes a habit... Then I'll look into the next step.

I did it for three years...only the usual u-joint breaks (probably from lack of lube , they looked kinda sad)

I have a summer of wheeling on my TJ 30.

It was open for 5 trips. Locked for 2. So far no problem.

I have looked at the costs of the alloy shafts yada yada yad and IMO the only thing that makes sense (with stock hubs) right now is alloy inners.

At least that would hopefully limit the damage to the less costly outers and the 297 or 760.

Add up the costs of alloy inners, outers, CTMs or the new superior OX and the cost of a hub conversion to be able to use the alloy outers and you are along way to buying another axle.

If you XJ Dana 30 has 260s, then upgrade them to 297s or 760s and that would help.

- Dan

ps: this is common topic on JU :flipoff2:
http://forums.jeepsunlimited.com/ubb/Forum37/HTML/003042.html

I was running a D30 with 33's w/ a warmed up 360 and did not break...but i did not push it. when I went to 36's about 6 months ago i nuked the thing...little too much right foot. that’s why the RC Dana 44 is going in...

Chris G.
:beer:

Two u-joints, and the second u-joint took out the stub shaft and short shaft yokes. But both times, I was in reverse, with the front end pointing downhill, and the front end wasn't engaged (all the power going to the driver's side axle). ;)

I'm running 35"BFGMTs on a locked D30 with the 260 u joints, no major problems but I'm light on the right foot, I do have 2 sets of spare axle shafts, only thing I really worry about going is the ring gear...

I have run 35"s on my TJ D-30 for two years now without trouble. It has 4:10, detroit, warn inners, 297x, stock outers.
It has run Rubicon 2x, ershim/dusy, JV many times, and many others equally difficult.
I have seen EVERYTHING break on the trail, it comes down to driving style and maintenance.

we do mostly rocks

my buddy with 260-U's blew them up almost every week (everytime it also took out the inner and outer) he changed to stock TJ shafts and has only broken 1 in the last year.

i think the 30 would be fine assuming you put the TJ shafts in

I run 36 SX on a YJ D30, locked, 4.10 gears. I did upgrade to 297x joints. Haven't broken one yet and have been wheeling in this configuration for a year. I carry spare shafts.

I did break a 260 and outer stub with 33s.

I wheel rocks, fairly hardcore.
Dion

Originally posted by Dan-H

ps: this is common topic on JU :flipoff2:
http://forums.jeepsunlimited.com/ubb/Forum37/HTML/003042.html

Yes, but there is a difference between driving around in circles at the mall, and actually wheeling your rig with finesse :flipoff2:

Keep in mind that there are lots of guys on JU running 38s on D35s with "No problems." Gee...I wonder why....

i ran 33 tsl's on my d30 for 3 years, 4.56,lockrite,stock 297 joints and have done tellico several times and wheeled it sometimes 2 days a week. i now have 35' BFGMT's and only replaced the joints receintly because the were wornout. i've broke the tranny twice in this time but have yet to break an axle or joint( and deliver pizzas 5 days a week) with the stock 95YJ 4.0. like most say, depends on how you drive. i've given it a little hell before ,but never letting the centerforce90 completely dump at full throttle,
just my .02$

Originally posted by Josh 89XJ


Yes, but there is a difference between driving around in circles at the mall, and actually wheeling your rig with finesse :flipoff2:

Keep in mind that there are lots of guys on JU running 38s on D35s with "No problems." Gee...I wonder why....

So far I haven't seen any indication that you are any different than the guys over there, besides you started this light duty semi stock thread anyway? Seems well below the "college level" topic required for this board:bender:

Anyway, if you break your '30, let us know, We'll have a tow truck sent around to the speed bumps out behind Macy's :flipoff2:

Originally posted by Blatant
I wheel rocks, fairly hardcore.
Dion
Yea, ONLY "fairly hardcore" ??? I guess its all relative right? :D

Anyway back to the topic. I've ran worn out 36" TSL's a couple of times on some pretty hard trails on a D30 w/ Stock Axles and 260 U-Joints: 4.10 gears, 700R4 Tranny behind a FI 350. Moderate your use of the "go/stupid/lets break stuff" pedal and you'll be fine.
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Originally posted by Dan-H


So far I haven't seen any indication that you are any different than the guys over there, besides you started this light duty semi stock thread anyway? Seems well below the "college level" topic required for this board:bender:

Anyway, if you break your '30, let us know, We'll have a tow truck sent around to the speed bumps out behind Macy's :flipoff2:

The question was, "Who is running 35"s on a 30, and what are you breaking?" Which is just out of curiosity while I build the 44 and get the p's and q's of the front leaf conversion done. I noted that I didn't want an inane 30 pro/con debate. I know what the hell a 30 is/isn't good for, but it has to tide me over until I get the 44 done. IMHO, that is a little different than a lame "What do I have to do to fit 35s on a 30?" question. So what, everyone who responded is a JU newbie because they are running 35s on a 30? Note that the thread you replied with is mostly "I heard that..." and on the topic of "building" a 30.

Anyway, thanks for the input, its appreciated. Not trying to start a flame war here, but a little bit of clarification and background seemed necessary. Take it easy.

I've been running 35 SSR's on my D30 for about 6 months now, nothing broken yet. :mad: Mostly NW mountain trails, mud, snow and some rock crawling. If the stupid thing would break I could talk the wife into the $'s for something better.

I wheel every week, I'm locked in the front haven't broken anything yet. Knock on wood.
-Nate

36 12.50x15 TSL's on a d30 and I haven't busted a thing



























































haven't even ran the damn thing either, so I guess that I don't count :flipoff2:

Originally posted by HighHooder
36 12.50x15 TSL's on a d30 and I haven't busted a thing





haven't even ran the damn thing either, so I guess that I don't count :flipoff2: BAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!I was gonna say, when did you get your jeep running?!?! :flipoff2:

LOL, Chad...like you're one to talk :D

Hey, whatever happened to Evan's this last monday? Doesn't really matter, I was laying at home :barf: anyway. I think that me and some of the NAXJA folks are going to hit Walker Valley next week. I promised Matt that I would weld up his spiders and set the gears in his 9" this weekend. Dunno if he is done with it after that though.

I ran 39.5" boggers with my dana 30, although it was a 4-banger with 3.54 gears, and oh yeah, the chrome 6" body lift made the 30 alot stronger. :flipoff2:

Originally posted by Dan-H


So far I haven't seen any indication that you are any different than the guys over there, besides you started this light duty semi stock thread anyway? Seems well below the "college level" topic required for this board:bender:

Anyway, if you break your '30, let us know, We'll have a tow truck sent around to the speed bumps out behind Macy's :flipoff2:

Josh is so much more diplomatic than myself. Basically Dan-H, fawk you and the horse you rode in on. What a dick-head response to a guy that asks a serious poll of folks running 35 inch tires on a 30! He is in the same difficult position of trying to build a rig on a college-student's budget that many are in. Your elitist, smart-ass remarks make you look like a jerk.

Back to the topic: I have had 35s for 6 months locked with ARB and not broken yet. 33s before that. I try to control the amount of tire spin, but i have had no issues with breakage yet. Mind you, this is mostly on rocks. Josh, the mud in WA is different where you basically have to spin the tires up until the bite into solid ground, which stresses the shafts and joints a little bit more. Just be careful turning with too much pedal while locked, especially in reverse.

SeanP

I have been running 35's for over a year on my XJ and the stock axles are doing fine. I have added the warn axle shafts years ago to give them added help. Its just how you wheel, stay off the gas and you should be fine..........peace

Like I said in another post,

Watch the pedal, throw your 297's in and youll get by...

36 TSLS, 4.56, 297's and ARB.. for years, on a XJ....It also is not my daily driver.. the street puts some undue stress on things if you drive it every day...

I also have had quite a few instances were I have had to use the pedal and she held up fine...

You just gotta know your rig........

I laugh at people who flame the D30, these guys are usually the ones who keep pushing the pedal whe the tires start chattering and things start clunking and there is no foward momentum.!!!YOUR STUCK... pull the trap or the winch out and save your money!!! Your gonna break a 44 in this position anyway...

I do moderate to hardcore wheeling.. I have been on my roof.. and I have broken things.. Just because I have and actually somewhat like the D30 doesnt mean I dont GET IT!!


Got it?... I have ........

Originally posted by milkman
I do moderate to hardcore wheeling.. I have been on my roof.. and I have broken things.. Just because I have and actually somewhat like the D30 doesnt mean I dont GET IT!!

Got it?... I have ........

I've seen you wheel it, so I know it's true :D....Alot of this is just bandwagon bashing. For most people it's fine. I'm keeping mine. If it breaks, I'll fix it. That's it. I don't plan on going any bigger than 36's anyway (Yeah right) so..

Originally posted by Josh 89XJ
LOL, Chad...like you're one to talk :D

Hey, whatever happened to Evan's this last monday? Doesn't really matter, I was laying at home :barf: anyway. I think that me and some of the NAXJA folks are going to hit Walker Valley next week. I promised Matt that I would weld up his spiders and set the gears in his 9" this weekend. Dunno if he is done with it after that though. Hey, I'm doing good! I've been able to go wheeling twice in the last two weeks! :flipoff2: Evans was crazy, way too many stuck people in 2wd's. We spent more time pulling out people than actually wheeling. We didn't even get up to the entrance to evans until about 2:45.

LOL, Mike. Yeah, I say "fairly hardcore" cuz I don't want all these Cali boys getting their knickers in a twist then coming out to rockstack our trails!!!

j/k

For the original poster, it's my opinion that swapping in a front 44 in lieu of a D30 is a poor decision unless

a) You haven't already spent ANY money on the D30 (no shafts, lockers, gears, etc.)

AND

b) You can get the 44 for free or nearly free.

What have you gained by swapping in a 44? Mild strength increase in r&p and housing. What breaks most often? U-joints and outer stub assemblies. Same as on your 30.

In my book, go 1-ton in the front or save your bread. Not meant as a flame, but a topic for consideration.
Dion

Originally posted by SeanP


Josh is so much more diplomatic than myself. Basically Dan-H, fawk you and the horse you rode in on. What a dick-head response to a guy that asks a serious poll of folks running 35 inch tires on a 30! He is in the same difficult position of trying to build a rig on a college-student's budget that many are in. Your elitist, smart-ass remarks make you look like a jerk.



Sean Bite me :flipoff:

- I answered his question in my first response
- I pointed him to a good thread discussion what ifs on upgrading Dana 30s. He replied with a "I don't wheel at the mall". I replied with we'll send a tow truck around back to Macy's to pick yo up. Typical shit slinging. All good natured.

As far as your post
- Are you his big sister?
- everyone is in a difficult position money wise. I drove a 500 dollar car in college and rode a bike more than I drove. Again are you his big sister?
- the point is, this board, the moderators the regulars have set the tone. The answer how to "upgrade a 30" is Get a 60. On topic is not to beat to death topics rehashing bolt-ons to stock. Apparently you don't get it.
- I don't consider my self elitist. I have a mild rig by PBB Jeep standards. I hang out to watch and learn from the masters.
- Finally, but and as far as Jerk, I prefer Asshole Thank You.


Josh, my final comment is I agree with blatants remark on "go 1-ton in the front or save your bread"

I'm running 35's on my 30. I wheel in the east so it's alot of loose traction type areas. I havn't broke anything yet! 260 joints and open. Although last trip I was playing in the rocks and managed to twist my rear driveshaft in two, no problems with the 30.

A guy I've wheeled with runs 38 SX's on his 30 and hasn't broke anything yet. He's running a Detroit. His theory is the carrier is the weak link in the 30 so he replaced it with a full carrier Detroit.

Alot of people rag on the 30. I think it's a repectable little axle. I say wheel it until it breaks, then think about upgrading. :beer:

Originally posted by Dan-H


Sean Bite me :flipoff:

- I answered his question in my first response
- I pointed him to a good thread discussion what ifs on upgrading Dana 30s. He replied with a "I don't wheel at the mall". I replied with we'll send a tow truck around back to Macy's to pick yo up. Typical shit slinging. All good natured.

As far as your post
- Are you his big sister?
- everyone is in a difficult position money wise. I drove a 500 dollar car in college and rode a bike more than I drove. Again are you his big sister?
- the point is, this board, the moderators the regulars have set the tone. The answer how to "upgrade a 30" is Get a 60. On topic is not to beat to death topics rehashing bolt-ons to stock. Apparently you don't get it.
- I don't consider my self elitist. I have a mild rig by PBB Jeep standards. I hang out to watch and learn from the masters.
- Finally, but and as far as Jerk, I prefer Asshole Thank You.


Josh, my final comment is I agree with blatants remark on "go 1-ton in the front or save your bread"

Just callin' em like I see 'em, Dan.

"So far I haven't seen any indication that you are any different than the guys over there, besides you started this light duty semi stock thread anyway? Seems well below the "college level" topic required for this board"

Sure seems like:

A: You are calling Josh a JU mall-wheeler and

B: You are taking it upon yourself to tell him that his post is less-than-appropriate, and

C: As far as big-sister comments, I have known Josh for a couple years as we have both built our XJs. We have taken shit for building them from the mondo-wheeler crowd, so if I am a little defensive, well excuuuuuuuusssse me (best Steve Martin-voice).

Jerk, asshole, whatever. Your post just read pretty condescending IMHO.

SeanP

Ok kiddies, settle down. No flame wars needed. Everyone go have a few :beer: or something.

Hey Sean, thanks for the backup though :D

Josh, Cheers, and good luck.

fwiw, I didn't write the mission statement (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1223), but I think its there for a reason ;)

a few excerpts...

4. 60's 60's 60's 60's 60's 60's !
5. Scrap the 30 !
13. If you have to ask, you don't need it.
38. If you are a spineless dweeb that thinks that our style is crass and unfair, or that we are a bunch of insensitive, insulting, cheap bastards that would laugh our asses off at your missfortunes as you went through the box on the
'con. You're right. Develop thick skin, and an ability to dish it out, or go away. Remember this is the dark side.
59. if you get your panties in a bunch from our ****ing attitude........leave!
63. When It Breaks, Upgrade!


Granted its not flawless:rolleyes:

65. If it aint broke..Don't fix it!
71. If it ain't broke, fix it until it is.

But over all it has its good points.

77. Get over it !

:beer:

[i]77. Get over it !

:beer: [/B]

Gotten over it. Peace:beer: Panties unbunching as we speak. See you around the trail.

Dan, have you ever loaned a tent out to someone on the rubicon that was stranded? If no, nevermind. If yes, I think that we know each other, inserting foot into mouth.

SeanP

Sean, not me. remember, A-holes don't loan stuff out ;)
Was it a broken Dana 30 that stranded ya? ;) (sorry I couldn't resist :D )

But seriously I would have if I came across someone that needed one.

anyay, Its a small town I'm sure we'll cross paths if we haven't already.

:beer: :blender:

Actually, Sean was stranded due to the steering box bolts sheering off. :flipoff2:

Originally posted by Dan-H
Sean, not me. remember, A-holes don't loan stuff out ;)
Was it a broken Dana 30 that stranded ya? ;) (sorry I couldn't resist :D )

But seriously I would have if I came across someone that needed one.

anyay, Its a small town I'm sure we'll cross paths if we haven't already.

:beer: :blender:

Actually I tore the three steering bolts off the frame. I wasn't using a steering box brace (I AM NOW) and the history of stress and 35s caused it to let go all at once. Day trip turned into an overnighter and I didn't bring cold weather gear. Some guy in a white TJ loaned us a tent and it made me think that maybe I was getting pissy with him. Karma?

:)

anybody else running a d30 w/35's (std. pinion, not hp)

35" SSRs on TJ Dana 30, standard rotation 297 u-joints, 4.88 gears, lockright. Been that way for over 2 years now (lockright for 3). I used to live in CO, so it's seen some good stuff including Moab (Pritchet) and Independance.

[knocking on wood]the only breakage I've had is a blown u-joint that took out the ears on my driver's side inners and outers. Other than that, it's been fine.[/knocking on wood] I subscribe to the slow and control method of wheeling, and only get on the throttle if I have to. Usually I'll get the winch out before that time though.

Run it 'till she starts to break. Mine has only had the one failure so far, but I'm looking for 1-tons right now so I can avoid future problems on the trail. Plus it's time for new tires, and that means 38's! :D

I am running 36" TSL SX's on D30 and D35. Broke a rear axle after too many beers and trying to climb something beyond reach.

I ran a D30 for over 4 years with 33s, but I kept the diff open. I had planned a D30 buildup, and I could even justify running 35s on a "built" D30. I started adding things up and decided it would be cheaper to just swap in a narrowed waggy D44. That's what I did. If I ever need Warn or Superior axles, they make them for D44s too.

To answer your question, run it, but take it easy. 'Til you can afford a D44. You might need a D60 to be "hard core", but you don't need one to have fun! Enjoy your Jeep, and know it's limitations!

Originally posted by Josh 89XJ
My thought was to just source some 760 shafts

I have a set of axle shafts from my old dana 30 with 297X joints, just about the same as the new 760s...

The shafts are from Drivetrain direct and cost like $320 new 3 years ago. I ran them with 32s and no front locker and 3.07 gears so there in GREAT shape.

If you want them I have them for sale for $170
Thats inners outers with good u-joints and all...
I have the origional bill from drivetrain direct also..

Let me know...


oh yea....

Buy a 60 and get 37s!!!:D

Originally posted by ashmanjeepXJ


I have a set of axle shafts from my old dana 30 with 297X joints, just about the same as the new 760s...

The shafts are from Drivetrain direct and cost like $320 new 3 years ago. I ran them with 32s and no front locker and 3.07 gears so there in GREAT shape.

If you want them I have them for sale for $170
Thats inners outers with good u-joints and all...
I have the origional bill from drivetrain direct also..

Let me know...



Whats the spline count, shaft diameter and overall lengths of them there shafts?? I could be interested, if they will fit in my Brasilian made D30 axle........

TIA,

AMC 360, D30, 4.56, Warn Hubs, Detroit, 35x12.5 SSR's. No breaks yet.

-gvb

When I wheeled with 33 Claws and open it was fine. First time out with Lock Right and 35 Boggers broke 260 u-joint. Now after about a year, I've got a stack of broken shafts and joints, probably 10 total. Last time at Tellico broke 4 shafts in one day! I keep replacing them with stock ones until I use up all the spare shafts people keep giving me.

35's on 00 TJ D30 locked and I've broken the ears on the short side shaft while backing up, grenaded a u joint, busted one R&P. Other than the R&P the stuff is just a nusance. I tried to be pretty easy on it but it did do slick rock a few times and guardrail. When it would bounce I'd stop. Watch out backing up, and as long as you're not on rocks you should be fine.

I ran 35*15.5*15 TSL SX's for one trip (Badlands). My hubs shattered (CJ) and I got a 44.

I run a 01 J with 35 ProComp Xterrains on my front 30. I have not broken anything yet, and my wheeling buds can attest to, I'm silly with the skinny pedal.

Of course now, my first trip out, I am bound to break a damn u-joint. Thanks alot!

Originally posted by billj


Whats the spline count, shaft diameter and overall lengths of them there shafts?? I could be interested, if they will fit in my Brasilian made D30 axle........

TIA,

There same as factory spline count, Used the same factory carrier and hubs so there factory diameter too.

There not cromo or any thing special... I bought them cuase I had a shift motor on my dana 30 on the 88cherokee. I took out the shift motor took out the two piece shaft on the passenger side, and put in these new shafts with the larger u-joints.

I run 37's on my 30 and it hasn't bust yet! ( fingers crossed) It will go soon i'm sure so it's gonna go bye bye.

Originally posted by YETI
I run 37's on my 30 and it hasn't bust yet! ( fingers crossed) It will go soon i'm sure so it's gonna go bye bye.
37" swampers nonetheless :flipoff2:
I think I might be able to handle 37" MT/R's (~36.4") with a D30 inlieu of 35" KM's (~34.8")

Well, if its any consolation, I'll be running 37" MTR's on my D30, with 297x shafts, 4.56's and a lockright. If those don't hold up, I'll go to some superior chromo shafts and 760's and call it a day...
Scott

Josh 89XJ, here's a link I think you should look at. Doc starts off by showing off his new 33" boggers, and ends up showing off a busted D30 two days later.

www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=145008

I have ran 35's on my d30 for 3yrs. I have 4.88 gears and an arb. Broke 3 teeth off the the ring gear once (doing something stupid in reverse) but no other problems. Run the tires until you get your 44.

Originally posted by ashmanjeepXJ


There same as factory spline count, Used the same factory carrier and hubs so there factory diameter too.

There not cromo or any thing special... I bought them cuase I had a shift motor on my dana 30 on the 88cherokee. I took out the shift motor took out the two piece shaft on the passenger side, and put in these new shafts with the larger u-joints.


You´ve got mail!!!!!!!;)

I busted my Dana 30 the first trip out with my new 33" Boggers!!! Yup. As soon as I got to the rock quary, after leaving the trailer, at the Badlands, I heard a loud pop!! My 260 axle with fairly new U joints Blew!!

I plan on buying 297 shafts and seeing how long they last!! I will skip the dana 44 and go straight to a dana 60.

Hey Doc, I wasn't trying to bust you out, but I saw you as a prime example. Hope I didn't step on your toes.

I've been running my D30 in my 98 tj first 60,000mi w/31's and lock right. 8 times thru the Rubicon 10 times to little Sluice nothing too hard. From 60,000 to 89,000mi on 35's 6 times thru 3 more to little Sluice. 3 times for Seria Trek. I never pushed my limit. 4.56X3.93X4.0 BUT I am Changing my D44 to a Tera 60R CRD and The D30 To a 44 HP reverse cut:grinpimp:
This Memorial weekend a guy broke his D30 knuckle in the little sluice. But a few other people broke their junk too...
This was my junk when I first got 35's It was 6 1/2" short arm Rubicon express. Now I have 8" Long Arm and other junk...
You'll be fine for a while.

Been running 35s on a locked D30 with 102:1 ratio and havent broken a thing. Upgrading to a HP D60/14 bolt and bigger tires soon.

Originally posted by tealj2
........You'll be fine for a while.


That's my opinion..............I'm running 35" MT/R's on a reverse D30. Second housing and I ALWAYS carry spare shafts, unit bearings and a set of ball joints. While the D30 is a 'good little axle', LITTLE is the key word.

A D44 isn't enough of an upgrade to justify the fab work and I'm not one to try a D60 on a unibody...............my opinion, flame away.:flipoff2:

You guys really gave this thing CPR huh - Josh got some 34x10.50 LTB's and has been running them for almost the last year - only failure I have seen so far was a sheared pinion u-joint strap on the welded D35 in the back :flipoff2:

I have been running 38.5sx's on my home brew D30/44 combo for the last year and have had no issues.... Last thing I broke (besides my sunroof from the heep doing it's turtle impression) was a spring pin and a traction bar heim...































Might be the warns (shafts and premium hubs) and CTM's in the front end - who knows!!! :flipoff2:

the question should be
37's an a 30!!!!!!!!!!!!

35's ain't no problem AT ALL:flipoff2:

I am running 35" MTRs on a HP30 in my TJ (that's right, I swapped in another :rainbow: 30!). I have a Detroit, Warn inners, Captain America joints, full circle clips, and stock outers.

I have broken a 297 twice - once was backing up, once I have a broken rear DS. These were with stock shafts in the front. Both times the cap came out. Mark your caps and if they move any, swap the joint and check to make sure the yokes are still tight. Alloy axles (good, hardened yoke ones like Warn or Superior) will help the cap loosening problem. Full circle clips or welds will keep them from popping out.

I think the HP30 is a pretty decent axle for this size. I won't go over 35" on mine, but I so far it works well. I guess Warn hubs would be better, but I can swap out the outer shaft pretty easily and the Warn inner should hold up.

-Bart

Those of you who upgraded from 260 u-joints to 297x u-joints-

Did you have to modify your knuckles?

Originally posted by TheMucker
Those of you who upgraded from 260 u-joints to 297x u-joints-

Did you have to modify your knuckles?

No - the spline counts on the shafts are the same - it is just the u-joint ear size that is different - if you go from a disconnect to a single shaft you will need some seals - otherwise they just slide right in...

Matt

If you buy the warn long side front axle it comes with a blockoff plate for the disconnect motor and the two seals you need...

Thanks for the reply.

This is for my Dad's MJ. We are planning a trip to the 'con at the end of June. It's his first time there and the first time for his rig.

I have a spare set of shafts for my TJ and wanted to know if they would work as spares for the Commanche even though he has 260 ujoints. Sound like they will work.

Do you know if Warn sells the seals seperately?

I'm a former member of Rock Garden 4 Wheelers out of Farmington, NM (Just their webmaster now) and in all the wheeling I've done with those guys on some pretty tuff rock :D the only broken axle I can even remember is a TJ REAR 44. Oh yeah, there are quite a few guys running 30s in CJs, YJs and TJs with 35" tires and no problems. IMO, the only guys that consistently break a 30 with 35s just drive stupid (they need to grow up):flipoff2: .

Edit: OH yeah, run it till it breaks, there is a good chance it won't.;)

Been running 35" ProComp muddies for about 3 years now (4.56 & lockright) in the Dana30.....stock shafts etc....
Also have 36" TSL bias ply on steel beadlocks (about 1 yr) for the "fun" trails and Haven't had any problems yet....
However I am currently on the hunt for a set of Nissan Patrol diffs to replace bothe F&R diffs....

First time on Sledgehammer broke a 297 u-joint which took out the ears on my TJ's long-side D30 inner and outer shafts... while running 35" MTRs. Strong advice from friends convinced me to bite the bullet and buy Warn's inner and outershafts plus their hub kit. That the hardened 4340 Warn shafts hold onto the u-joints so much more firmly is one reason things hold together better with the Warn (or Superior) shafts. I'm not to sure I'd trust this setup with 37" tires but I'm pretty confident this setup will hold up to my pretty conservative use of the skinny pedal on similar trails. Lots of guys I know are successfully doing the Hammers pretty regularly with upgraded D30s (shafts and hubs) and 35" tires without many failures. I wouldn't do that kind of trail with stock 297 axleshafts again though.